2010 Free Wedding Photography Winners!!!!

All winter, spring, summer and into fall, I’ve been looking forward to the wedding of my winning couple, Chelsea and Brandon. Back in February, they won the contest to get their photography services free, in addition to having the girl’s make up done by Jade of Bella Bride. It was a gorgeous fall day. Their wedding took place in Marietta, Ohio. A city I quickly fell in love with. So here are some images from their big day……..

The backdrop for Chelsea’s getting ready was held at the beautiful Lafayette Hotel which is

right along the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. The hotel started taking it’s first guest’s back in 1918. It boasts of charm and elegance.

Chelsea was surrounded by her bridal party and her mom who were so eager to get her into her dress. I think they were all overly pleased with the final results. Chelsea was a stunning bride to be.

Chelsea’s mom watching over her as she does her last minute touches before heading to the ceremony.

Chelsea and Brandon had one of the suites right along the river side, with it’s own private balcony. It made for a great spot to get some photos of the girls before we took off.

Yea, we made ourselves comfortable in the hotel lobby……

WOW!

Meantime, Brandon and his groomsmen were anxiously awaiting the wedding to begin at Chelsea’s parents home that was located right in the heart of old town Marietta, right at the college.

The lush backyard was where the vows were spoken and tears were shed…..it was simply perfect for Brandon and Chelsea.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds ran out from the house to a balloon send off……

The neighborhood itself had plenty to offer as far as I was concerned…we walked down the street from the house to take some portraits of the newlyweds….

Shortly after the ceremony had ended, there seemed to be a bit of chaos in the area. Siren after siren were blaring nearby and continued to do so. I have to say, it was a bit alarming, thinking the worst, worrying about what was going on so close…the siren’s continued to multiply in sound and didn’t stop for well over a half hour. Helicopters began to fly over…..and you could see deep concern on everyone’s face…..little did we know that it was merely a mass amount of emergency responders having a bit of a sound off if you will along the river…..that’ll be one of those odd wedding memories that’ll stand out…….just glad everything was alright.

Brandon and Chelsea had a vintage Hudson Hornet to wisk them away….but not before the bridal party had some fun with it……this car was a beauty……

This car was in mint condition, the driver was gracious enough to allow the newlyweds in the front seat for a few photos………and it was well worth it.

Just down the road the reception was held in a tent on the college green. Chelsea’s sister and her business took part in putting together the details of the event and did an outstanding job. I’m sure Brandon and Chelsea were pleased with all their hard work.

They celebrated with getting right into dancing mode and having a good time with their family and friends….

Even a dance-off with the groom and best man……..I’m thinking Brandon had this one in the bag!

They topped off the night with a sparkler light show….they really knew how to end the night…

The night ended with a Trolley taking the bride and groom off to their hotel. It was certainly a wedding I’ll never forget and enjoyed being part of. It was such a great experience having a contest last year and I look forward to doing it again for 2011, so check back here in January when we’ll be choosing another couple to have their wedding photography covered! I’ve enjoyed getting to know Chelsea and Brandon and wish them both well in their future………Best Wishes to you both and THANK YOU!